Gaining citizenship is an important step towards becoming a more active participant in decision making. Through naturalisation – the official process of becoming a citizen – migrants gain the right to vote and take part more fully in public life. 

However, migrants don't have to be British citizens to participate. At the same time, acquiring citizenship may still leave many feeling disconnected or unsure how to use their rights. The process of becoming a citizen can be complicated, stressful and even discouraging of further engagement, rather than encouraging it. 

Supporting migrants to participate and get involved in decision making is often a missing feature of integration policy and support. Research suggests that political participation is the weakest area of integration policy in many developed countries, including the UK. 

“In most countries, foreign citizens are not enfranchised or regularly informed, consulted or involved in local civil society and public life.” (MIPEX 2020) 

Migrants often become more involved in society over time, as they make connections, learn more about how things work in the UK, and feel more confident to take part. Helping them engage not only promotes their inclusion in decision making, but also strengthens their sense of belonging.

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